The culmination of the Self-Respect Movement Centenary celebration was a grand event held on 4th October, 2025 at Maraimalai Nagar, near Chengalpattu in Tamil Nadu. Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kazhagam, presided over the day long function. Twenty eight Vital Resolutions were proposed,seconded and unanimously passed as listed herebelow:
1(A) Remembering past Martyrs
A large number of faithful cadres of Dravidar Kazhagam were life-long followers of the Principles of Thanthai Periyar. They faced
innumerable obstacles and challenges in public life. They sacrificed their life carrying the glowing torch of Self-respect. This
conference recalls them all through its royal Salute of honour. On 27th September, 2025 the popular cine- artist and leader of the TVK party, Thiru.Vijay convened a Propaganda meet at Karur in Tamil Nadu. There was a tragic stampede during the delivery of his speech and 41 human lives perished. This terrible disaster shocked the entire state. Heart felt condolence is conveyed to the bereaved families. We sincerely share their grief and express consolation. 1(B) It is the common wish of all that such incidents are never ever repeated. The culprits responsible for this gruesome disaster should be sternly punished. It is an inhuman crime.
Hence the perpetrators must be convicted. Upon hearing about the incident Thiru.M.K. Stalin, the Honourable Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu rushed to Karur and ordered all sorts of relief measures to the survivors who were hospitalised. He announced monetary aid to the families of the victims. This conference commends the Chief Minister for his magnanimity. It is urged upon all the political
parties not to politicise this issue. They are all requested to render assistance to the possible extent.
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Ensuring State – Rights
Through his legal strife the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu persuaded the Supreme Court to pronounce its verdict that the right to enact laws rests with the State Assembly and the Government elected by the mandate of the people – not with the Governor of the State. The credit goes to the Chief Minister for this historic judgement of the Apex Court. This is undeniably a great relief to all the States in the country. This conference commends the honourable Chief Minister and congratulates him upon this great achievement.
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Caste-wise enumeration
This issue has been in abeyance owing to the indifferent attitude of the Union Government. Dravidar Kazhagam has been passing resolutions to get this accomplished. Except the BJP, all other parties had been insisting on it. When the elections for the Bihar State Assembly approached fast, the Union Government headed by the BJP agreed to carry on with the caste-wise enumeration along with the population census, but it has not commenced even after the lapse of several months. This conference urges upon the Union
Government to announce when it would begin and end. The details of the data required should be decided and announced at the arliest. The entire process of caste-wise enumeration must be transparent. The conference insists upon all these and expects early compliance.
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The New Education Policy – 2020
As it had been consistently reiterated by the Dravidar Kazhagam, the Union Government has proved that the New Education Policy 2020 is not different in any way from the Hereditary Education Scheme introduced and aborted in the past. Both are undeniably identical schemes. As per this new scheme, it is told that Students scoring less than 30 marks in 3rd, 5th and 8th standard would be declared failed. Earlier, adhering to the Right to Education Act, all the students upto 8th Standard were declared passed irrespective of the marks scored. This has been revoked now. Besides, parents are expected to submit letters that they have no objection to their children getting declared failed, in case they score less than the minimum marks prescribed. This is atrocious, indeed. This would cause a steep rise in the number of “drop-out” students and imperil their future prospects. Aryanism says – “Not all should be educated”, but the principle of “Dravidian Model” is – “Everyone should be literate.” This conference condemns the Union Government that favours Aryan codes. Not only all the parents, but the entire commonpublic should collectively fight opposing this
foul scheme.
5(a) Abolition of ‘Creamy Layer’ System
The Creamy Layer System is a social injustice and against the Constitution too. It must be annihilated. The Union Government of the
BJP headed by Modi has ratified the 105th Amendment in the Constitution. Hence it should accept the views of the legal experts
that SC/ST and any other group should not be divided using the discriminatory Yard Stick “Creamy layer”. An appropriate order of repeal should be released by the Union Government. It is urged upon the Government of Tamil Nadu and all the Tamil Nadu members of Parliament to bring this to the attention of the Union Government and also to all other states. The “Creamy Layer” Yard stick should be given up by the BJP headed Union Government.
5(b) Placement for the UPSC Qualified
The Labour Welfare Ministry of the Union Government has been delaying the appointment of nearly one hundred OBC candidates, who have successfully cleared the UPSC exams, under the pretext of the ‘Creamy Layer’ scheme. This is certainly a ‘social injustice’. This conference insists on their immediate placement. It is also urged upon all the Tamil Nadu Members of Parliament to pester the Labour Welfare Union Minister to redress the grievance of the OBC candidates who remain unemployed inspite of their having passed the UPSC exams.
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Economic Status Yardstick
Grant of 10 per cent Reservation to a rare group of Upper caste people called EWS (Economically Weaker Section) is an nacceptable move. Besides, they are being offered by the Union Government, Fee concessions, Waiver of Application Fee etc. – These concessions are denied to the OBC/SC/ST groups. It seems to be a Self-Proclamation of the Union Government that it is an ‘anti- social justice Government.’ All the like-minded parties, outfits and forums should jointly oppose this foul move. Using the yard stick of economic status in Reservations must be avoided as per the first amendment in the constitution. This conference reminds the
Union Government that the use of economic status as a yard stick was rejected long ago by the Constitution.
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Reservations in Private Sectors
Public Sector Organisations are declining fast in number and private sector establishments are growing larger in number. Therefore,
Reservations are necessary even in all the Private Sector units. That would be truly social justice. Reservations should be there in all the private educational institutions and employment opportunities in all the private organisations. Suitable amendments must be
made in the Constitution in order to pave the way for this. This conference urges upon the Union Government to implement it. It is being strongly insisted upon by us.
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Reservations in Government job
promotions
To enable the employees in Government services, move from lower grade positions to higher grade powerful posts, reservation
rights should be granted to all the Backward class staff and the marginalised down trodden staff. In the constitution there is provision for Reservation to the SC/ST classes but the implementation in practice is hindered owing to certain verdicts of the courts. For promotions in jobs for the Backward classes, so far legal rules have not been framed at all. This conference urges upon the Union
Government and all the State Governments to plug all the loopholes in this issue and take steps for the release of a Government order, by incorporating necessary amendments in the Articles and adumbrations of the constitution. In all the grades in Government
services, ‘the backward class employees, the Scheduled class workers and the minorities should get Reservation in promotions. Suitable amendments are to be made to implement this. The verdicts of the courts must not cause an impediment. The Union Government and all the State Governments must give top priority to this issue.
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Caste bias among students
The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu has strictly ordered that there should be no caste based bias among students in educational institution, and that teachers should not allow gender bias or caste based discrimination crop up under any circumstance in the minds of the students. This conference commends the order of the Chief Minister and welcomes it whole heartedly. It is the duty of teachers to keep students away from the evil menace – ‘caste’.
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Lessons based on Scientific Spirit
Article 51A(h) of our Constitution insists on the dire need of scientific spirit in all the people. In school curriculum lessons based on scientific outlook should be included. Lessons revolving around the Justice Party’s achievements and the life history of great thinkers like Thanthai Periyar could also be added in the school syllabus. Such lessons would make the youth progressive. They would realise the greatness of social justice, self-respect and humanism. This conference urges upon all the State Governments to implement this.
- The students hailing from the Backward classes, Most Backward classes and marginalised groups are really eager to study in foreign Universities. Scholarship could be awarded to such aspiring students for their advancement in life. This conference requests
the Government of Tamil Nadu to help the deserving students by financial aid for higher education abroad. Recently scholarship
scheme was extended to students hailing from the families of minorities in society. This benefit could be granted to all others
too. The Government of Tamil Nadu is urged upon even to relax the age limit tentatively to enable students avail of scholarship grant. The youth of the new generation would derive benefit and scale great heights by the help of the Government of Tamil Nadu. -
National Education Policy – not to sneak
into Tamil Nadu Universities.
The Government of Tamil Nadu has already been strongly protesting against the New Education Policy – 2020 (NEP). At this juncture
we are told that the Universities in Tamil Nadu have already started following many of the guidelines of NEP – 2020. We learn that
adhering to the orders of the UGC, University of Madras, Madurai Kamaraj University,Bharathiar University, Bharathidasan
University and Manonmaniam Sundaranar University have already converted their HRD centers as “Malavia Mission Teachers Training Centers”. They have all been thus renamed. This is an unhealthy and undesirable move. This conference urges upon the Government of Tamil Nadu to intervene without delay and solve this problem at the earliest, since this could become a big obstacle in the sphere of education in our State.
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Share of Tax Revenue and Tax
Collection Rights
Sufficient funds are always essential for effective governance and able administration. When the country acquired Independence, the Union Government was enabled to get larger share of tax revenue to avoid the demand of partition by State Governments. Adding fuel to the fire, the Union Government headed by the BJP has clubbed most of the taxes seized from the limits of State Governments and it has started collecting taxes directly from the people. The State Governments that are already facing severe financial crisis, are now forced to expect favour from the Union Government. Unfair tax revenue share is against the principle of Federalism. This severely affects an able governance. Tax revenue earned should be justly shared among all the State Governments. This conference urges upon the Union Government to execute fair distribution of Tax revenue. It must be adequately shared in a justified manner. This is being insisted upon now.
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Retrieval of the right of States
India is governed by the Constitution. The rights granted by it to the States have been gradually declining in the recent past. The Union Governments of the past and also the present have been diluting the state rights to the extent of total exhaustion. The State Governments are in direct contact with the people. They have been formed by the mandate of the people. That must be strengthened by the Union Government – not weakened by snatching of rights. The rights of all the States should be increased – not decreased. Appropriate corrections could be made in the existing laws. This conference urges upon the Union Government to stop
seizing the rights of the States. The rights seized so far could be returned for healthyrelationship between the Union Government
and all the States in the country
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Eradicating Superstitions
According to Article 51A(h) of Indian Constitution cultivating scientific temper, questioning everything and augmenting the level of intellect, reforms, and nourishing humanism are the fundamental duties of citizens. Even before this adumbration, the Self-respect movement and Dravidar Kazhagam have been protesting against the deep rooted superstitions in society and, the outdated customs. Continuous propaganda has been done to inculcate scientific spirit in the minds of people and to make them realise the glory of Self-respect. On the other hand our attempts are being defeated by some religious fanatics who spread superstitions using unscientific devices. This conference urges upon the Government of Tamil Nadu to annihilate superstitions that have crippled our
people by confining them to the darkness of ignorance. Black magic, sorcery and human sacrifice are unpardonable atrocities. They should be curbed. Rationalist outlook and scientific thoughts must replace them. In order to accomplish this, the curriculum of educational institutions must include lessons based on those noble concepts. This conference urges upon the Government of Tamil Nadu to implement this soon.
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Removal of the post of Governor
For administrative conveniences the Britishers had brought in the post of the Governor. But it is in fact against democratic governance. Hence, this conference urges upon the Government of Tamil Nadu to remove that post by framing an amended law. All other State Governments are also requested to pass suitable Bills in their Assembly and resolve to compel the Union Government for removal of the redundant post of the Governor.
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The R.S.S. and the BJP
The RSS is a violence promoting outfit that was banned thrice by the Union Government in the past. Its prime principle is to establish
Hindu – Rashtra. This is its centenary year. To commemorate it, the Union Government recently released officially a postage stamp
and a special coin. The Prime Minister of a secular Government, showering praise on the RSS is contemptible. This conference places its displeasure on record and considers it an act against Indian Constitution.
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Keeladi Excavation Affair
Scholars and eminent Archaeologists have confirmed by their researches that Keeladi excavations reveal Dravidian Civilisation but
the Union Government headed by the BJP has been distorting the truth by claiming that it was Aryan civilisation. By misusing its power, it is trying to get the disinformation accepted. This conference condemns it calling it sheer distortion of history. The Union Government should withdraw its false claim. If it refuses, there would be widespread agitation by the public. This is indeed a arning from our conference.
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Caste Killings & Self-defence training
for women
There is a dire need of a special law to curb caste killings of arrogance. To prevent crimes against them, women need self-defence
training. Girl students in schools and colleges must be taught martial arts. They should learn how to protect themselves when their modesty is threatened. This conference urges upon all the educational institutions to implement this and help our womenfolk.
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Giving Tamil names to Children
Even the children born in families, the parents of which have Tamil as the mother tongue, are given Sanskritised names instead of pure Tamil names. This must be given up. Parents should give the kids Tamil names. They should resolve to do it in honour of Tamil language. This conference urges upon all the Tamils to do so as a mark of respect to their mother tongue Tamil, which is a classical language.
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Deaddiction for the Youth
Most of the new generation Young men have become addicts of harmful narcotics, drugs and alcoholic drinks. This hurts us all. This addiction is detrimental not only to the individuals but also to the entire society. It is like a communicable disease. By propaganda
in educational institutions students could be made to realise the harmful effects. The elders at home should give up their addiction
to avoid impact on the youngsters. Slogans and informative literature can be used to instil awareness. Deaddiction centers must be contacted for counselling, treatment etc. The Students wing and the Federation of Youth in the Dravidar Kazhagam should propagate the matter and alert the youth. Young men are custodians of the world to come. They should not be allowed to go astray. This conference resolves to free the youth from harmful drugs and alcoholic drinks. It is our duty to mouldthe youngsters as noble citizens.
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33 per cent Reservation for Women
Since 1996, when Thiru. Deve Gowda was the Prime Minister of India, there has been talk on 33 per cent Reservation for women. This issue has been debated in State Assemblies and in the Parliament. The Bill was tabled again in 1998, 1999 and 2003. It was not passed because of opposition by political rivals. In 2010, the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government headed by the Congress got it passed in the Rajya Sabha on 09.03.2010. But it was not enacted as a law since the Bill was not passed in the Lok Sabha.In 2023, in a Special Session, the Bill of 106th Amendment in the Constitution was unanimously passed but it was not implemented even during the 2024 elections.
It continues to be in abeyance. The conference urges upon the Union government to implement 33 per cent Reservation for omen,
without any more delay.
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Archakas from all castes
We are proud to state that after the life time of Thanthai Periyar and Annai Maniammaiar our Movement has been rendering public
services in a splendid manner under the Presidency of our Respectful Asiriyar Dr.K. Veeramani. He was instrumental behind 69
per cent Reservation in Tamil Nadu and 27 per cent for the Backward Classes on an All India level. He fought for the right to all castes
for appointment as Archakas (temple Priests) in temples. To some extent we were able to achieve the objective. For complete victory in this issue, we have to fight legally and through mass protest by the public. It is resolved to make Dravidar Kazhagam lead from the frontline. We shall make all the eligible people from all the castes get appointed as Archakas in temples of Tamil Nadu. This conference resolves to fight relentlessly until this problem is solved.
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Periyar World – Our ultimate aim
This would be a great historical monument. Asiriyar K. Veeramani has been deeply involved in this great task, inspite of his discomfort and ailments. All the cadres of our movement are urged upon to accomplish this great task by collecting contributions from the well-wishers. This conference urges upon all to give the task top priority and work for the successful completion.
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Movement related tasks
We have been facing all the challenges and Periyarising the globe. Our political rivals are against all our noble principles but our Dravidar Kazhagam has been vigorously propagating its principles. There is a satisfactory impact even in the Northern States.
Thanthai Periyar’s Birthday was celebrated in many of the Northern States. The activities of our movement should be faster than in
the past. Students, Youngsters and Women should learn all about our movement and its achievements. Our cadres should actively
propagate our principles. All the wings of our Movement must work with collective efforts. It is urged upon all our functionaries to strive by collective efforts. Reading rooms must be established. Writings on the wall should continued. Street corner meetings are to be convened. Frequent meetings are to be held and Periyar Thought should spread far and wide. Black Shirt Cadres must concentrate on all the movement related activities. Let us all recall Thanthai Periyar who strove hard till the age of 95 inspite of his ill-health. Let us be inspired by Asiriyar K.Veeramani who underwent multiple surgeries, but still works actively even at the age of 93. It is resolved on this centenary culmination occasion to strive with unswerving patience and make our movement reach glorious height.
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Top priority to caste annihilation
The prime objective of Dravidar Kazhagam is annihilation of castes. We shall convene meetings all over the State and propagate our
principles. It is resolved to visit particularly the districts and rural belts badly affected by caste based violence and unrest. Our cadres
and functionaries are to work hard and seek solutions for caste related problems identifying the areas that need remedial measures. This conference resolves to do everything possible to form a casteless society. Let us not rest until caste evil is annihilated. This is our pledge on this occasion.
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Swearing to strive restlessly
Under the leadership of Respectful Asiriyar Dr.K.Veeramani we have all been striving to Globalise Periyar. Periyar International has
already been established in America, and Chapters in Germany, Canada and Australia. Conferences are being held in all these
overseas countries to spread the principles of Periyar. Our black shirt cadres are all striving sincerely to Globalise Periyar vision.
This conference conveys its gratitude to all the loyal cadres and their families. At a conference held on 06.01.1974 in Tiruchirapalli under the presidence of Annai Maniammaiar we took an oath that was proposed by her and seconded by the cadres of the movement. The pledge was this:
“We swear and take an Oath
to complete all the unfulfilled
tasks left behind by Thanthai
Periyar. Without falling a
victim to any sort of
temptation, we shall achieve
his objectives, following in his
foot prints.”
On this occasion of the Culmination of Self-Respect Movement Centenary, let us all renew the aforesaid pledge. With a flow of fresh blood in it, this conference resolves to fulfil all the dreams of Thanthai Periyar. Let us all strive with an unflinching resolve and unswerving patience to accomplish the noble mission of Thanthai Periyar.
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Our prime duty in 2026 Elections
On 7th May 2021, Respectful Thiru. M.K. Stalin assumed office as the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. He faced multiple challenges such as COVID-19 epidemic, lock down menace, financial deficit and numerous economic problems. His Dravidian Model rule has been implementing several welfare schemes related to societal welfare, school education, technological studies, higher education, employment, health, women empowerment, green-revolution, environmental issues and many more. The list would be endless. Some of the splendid achievements of the Dravidian Model Government were as follows:-
- i) During the past 4 years, upto April 2025, 9 per cent contribution to the total economic development of India, from Tamil Nadu.
ii) Free bus travel for women.
iii) Rs.1,000/- per month to 1.5 crore women as “Kalaignar Women’s Rights”
This has been a great help to
our women folk.
iv) Reservation for women in local
body offices such as Panchayat and
Municipality – risen from 33 per cent to
50 per cent.
v) Medical aid at the door steps of people.
vi) Immediate relief for accident victims.
vii) Jobs as Archakas for people
from all castes; the prime step
towards annihilation of castes and
untouchability.
viii) Removal of the word “Colony”.
ix) Placement for women and men of all
castes in Hindu Religious Charities
Endowment Department.
x) Breakfast for School children, besides
free “Mid-day meal Scheme”.
xi) “Naan-Mudalvan” scheme for the
advancement of students and youth.
xii) Rs.1,000/- per month for College girls –
as “Pudumai Pen” Scheme.
xiii) “Tamil Pudalvan” scheme for male
students.
xiv) Investments from foreign entrepreneurs
– new industries, factories, millions of
job opportunities for the unemployed.
xv) Encouragement for mini and medium
scale industries – large number of
technological parks.
xvi) Electric buses – modern transport
facilities – roads – flyovers and bridges.
xvii) Tamil Nadu State Education Policy
xviii) Winning the case for State rights retrieval
xix) Declaring Thanthai Periyar’s birthday
as “Social Justice Day” – translation of
his works in 21 languages. Ambedkar’s
birthday declared “Equality Day” –
rendering his works into Tamil.
Thus the achievements of the Dravidian Model Government are growing in leaps and bounds. This conference resolves to strive and make the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) win the 2026 elections. We shall work hard to bring back the DMK again to power in 2026. Let us all take a pledge to have their rule by our mandate. The Dravidian Model Government should be formed again. We urge upon all our well-wishers to work hard towards the victory of DMK in 2026 elections.
